Leila: I love you, I thought again, trying to force the words into his mind. From the fresh wave of emotions that rolled over mine, he’d heard me. Leila: I love you, I thought again, trying to force the words into his mind. From the fresh wave of emotions that rolled over mine, he’d heard me. I love you, I repeated as my vision went black and everything else slipped away. Forever . . .
Vlad: “Anything for you.”
First of all I have to say that Vlad and Leila is one of my favourite paranormal romance couples. Vlad is one of my favourite antiheroes in general. Leila is one of the strongest, most talented, bravest and smartest heroines I have read about.
If this was another book about them and the epilogue of their love story, I would have given 5 stars. But somehow most of the time in the book...:
1. ...Vlad and Leila are not on the spotlight. a) I don't care what happens to Leila's sister. This is not her story. And anyway I am not a fan of what happens to her. And I did not like Maximus interaction and interest. I like Maximus, but I have negative feelings for Gretchen. b) I don't like that Ian steals the show one more time. Now that all the focus should be on Vlad and Leila, Ian and his stupid decision with the demon feels like a filler. I can understand that this will be the beginning of his own books with Veritas, but it shouldn't be introduced in this book.
2. ...Vlad does things alone. Leila does things alone. a) What is the point of Leila's discovery of her Cherokee heritage? And how this is tied to Vlad? Who cares? b) Why Vlad keeps hiding things from Leila? They have be through so many dangerous things together. Why Vlad is still a jerk and makes her suffer with his secrets and lies? I could not understand his reasoning.
If we add to the following comments the death of one of my favourite characters in the previous books, it will be obvious that I had a hard time finishing this book.
And honestly this should not be the end. Vlad and Leila could have had so many more great adventures together with their special abilities and their unique love. The Epilogue was short and not that satisfying.
Good bye Vlad and Leila! I will possibly see you again in Ian's books....more
During the first half of the book, I truly believed that this was the best book of the series. There was a mystery about the disa"I love you, Kitten."
During the first half of the book, I truly believed that this was the best book of the series. There was a mystery about the disappearance of Tate, Juan, Dave, and Cooper, while ghostly Don do not want to help and talk about the past. Madigan on the other hand is arrogant, hostile and generally unbearable and he insists that Cat's friends are dead. The mystery gets more complicated when Don actually wishes that they are truly dead instead of being alive in Madigan's clutches.
Secret lab, many horrific experiments, secrets since Dan had discovered Cat is half vampire so many years ago, deaths and torturing of vampires and ghouls.
And Bones once more hides things from Cat in order to protect her...aargh
When the monstrous lab was blown up and the vampires were eating the humans, I was actually clapping with joy. And I was wishing that Madigan would get the most horrible death.
Unfortunately after the climax in the middle of the book, the action started to slow down. Madigan's punishment did not satisfy me, while Don was not punished at all. The little girl was an interesting twist, but the explanation was rushed and the character was not developed. I don't know if the author wants to have a book about her later.
The greatest villain was too ridiculous for someone who supposedly was acting behind the scenes and was pulling the strings for 15 years and was fooling everybody.
The solution at the end was too simple. I wanted something more than sailing into the sunset forgetting all the problems.
So, the second half of the book was disappointing. And definitely the series should not end like that.
I still will give 4 stars for the first half, for the uniqueness of the characters and for the over the top love of Bones for Cat and Cat for Bones.
Years ago, Bones had made me promise to go on if he were killed. I’d done so, yet now, I was going back on that promise. Death was my only chance to be reunited with him. I wasn’t missing that for anything. “Wait for me,” I whispered, my voice breaking on another sob. “I’ll be there soon.” ...more
Let's see... Cat and Bones are in love Cat and Bones have earth shattering sex (chapter 21 everybody!) Cat and Bones f"Be still my non-beating heart"
Let's see... Cat and Bones are in love Cat and Bones have earth shattering sex (chapter 21 everybody!) Cat and Bones fight against a deadly enemy (Bad bad ghouls!)
So, not many things happen in this book that move forward the main story. Just Cat feels more comfortable being a full vampire (flying is really awesome). Mencheres and Kira (Eternal Kiss of Darkness) as well as Denise and Spade (First Drop of Crimson) make an appearance. And Timmie, Cat's neighbour seven years ago from her first book (Halfway to the Grave) is apparently still alive! And he is a troublesome reporter.
But I feel that Vlad steals the show once more and my favourite quote is by him: Much slower, I turned around to see Vlad examining his fingernails, as if his hands weren't still ablaze in the flames that had blasted ghoul's head off moments before. "What the hell was that?" I gasped. "Premature inflamulation," he replied. "Happens sometimes. Very embarrassing, I don't like to talk about it." ...more
Cat and Bones look after and protect a spoiled heiress that her cousin wants her dead. Their holidays are ruined and they all end up at Cat' childhood Cat and Bones look after and protect a spoiled heiress that her cousin wants her dead. Their holidays are ruined and they all end up at Cat' childhood home where Justina is already there. Justina tries to cope with the fact that she is a vampire and Bones really helps her.
I just love Bones and his mother in law together.
Cat falls in love with him one more time and I could not stop smiling:
By the time Bones announced it was Tammy's turn, I'd fallen in love with him all over again. Flowers and jewellery worked for most girls as a romantic gesture, but here I was, misty-eyed at watching him show my mother how to stab the shit out of him.
Nice short story. It's worth reading it (although Tammy is very annoying) as -it shows the improvement in the relationship of Bones and Justina -it shows the Justina' acceptance for her new situation -it shows the length of Cat's new powers...more
This is the book where Cat and Bones are crazily in love and married and spend a few lazy days in Paris.
And suddeCat, Bones and ... Gregor (aargh!!!)
This is the book where Cat and Bones are crazily in love and married and spend a few lazy days in Paris.
And suddenly hell breaks loose.
Cat starts having dreams that are nightmares or memories. Someone or something tries to snatch her away while she dreams. And Mencheres will have a confession to make about Cat's teenagehood, when she was young and clueless and she followed a certain someone to Paris. And how him, the powerful Mencheres made Cat forgot and Gregor dissapear.
Cat and Bones' marriage is not as well founded as they thought. Fights between them will start, while they distrust each other.
Cat does not trust Bones' abilities and cunning mind.
Bones does not trust Cat FULL STOP. Gregor, Vlad, Tate can make even the most sensible vampire crazy with jealousy.
And all these happen will Gregor, the dreamsnatcher, waits for his apportunity to snatch Cat because obviously he wants his wife back.
People will change. Some will become vampires. Some will become dead. And some will be even more deader than the used to be, i.e. completely dead.
This book is a full on adventure, but with so much family drama included.
You're leaving me?
And yes, it is full of funny moments because Cat and Bones even when they are angry and vicious, are so cute together.
☆☆☆☆☆One marriage proposal☆☆☆☆☆ “Catherine Kathleen Crawfield, will you marry me?”
☆☆☆☆☆Two powerful enemies☆☆☆☆☆ 1. Patra (daughter of the oWhat a ride!
☆☆☆☆☆One marriage proposal☆☆☆☆☆ “Catherine Kathleen Crawfield, will you marry me?”
☆☆☆☆☆Two powerful enemies☆☆☆☆☆ 1. Patra (daughter of the one and only Cleopatra) 2. Max (Hello daddy dearest)
☆☆☆☆☆More power☆☆☆☆☆ “War is coming, I’ve seen it. With your new strength and our combined lines, we’ll have a better chance to win.”
☆☆☆☆☆More of Bone’s “lovely” ex-flings☆☆☆☆☆ “She has no interest in you, Cat. Killing you was just a means to get to Bones.”
☆☆☆☆☆Many emotional goodbyes☆☆☆☆☆ 1. “Fix him, fix him, FIX HIM!” 2. “Forgive me”, he whispered. 3. “Perhaps now you can rest in peace, friends. Someday, I shall see you again.”
☆☆☆☆☆One almost goodbye☆☆☆☆☆ “You’re alive, you’re alive…!”
☆☆☆☆☆Two new vampires☆☆☆☆☆ 1. “You’ve wanted to kill me for months. Here’s your chance. Just do it.” 2. Bones, here? Now? Yes. Ready? Yes.
☆☆☆☆☆Few guest stars☆☆☆☆☆ 1. The Walking Dead 2. Count Dracula 3. Chuck E. Cheese
But for me what stole the show was Cat’s mother (Justina) and Bones’ relationship:
“Actually, Justina, I didn't just ring you to chat about what an undead murderer I was...right, degenerate whore as well. Did I ever tell you my mum was one? No? Oh, blimey, I come from a long line of whores, in fact...called to give you the good news. I asked your daughter to marry me and she accepted. Congratulations, I will officially be your son-in-law. Now, do you want me to call you Mum straightaway, or wait until after the wedding?"
Lesson 1: Difficult Mothers-in-Law and How to Cope with Them
“Well. As I don’t live and breathe. Justina, hair’s a bit disheveled, luv, been cleaning house? No? And your face…if I didn’t know better, I’d say it was flushed. Back when I was a degenerate whore, as you like to say, I’d see women look like you do all the time. After they were shagging.”
Lesson 2: Difficult Mothers-in-Law and How to Humiliate Them.
“Hallo, Justina. It appears we’re still stuck with each other.”
Lesson 3: Difficult Mothers-in-Law and How to Inflame Them.
4 years ago, Bones made a promise (a threat? a friendly reminder?):
“If you run from me, I will chase you, and I'll find you....”
Cat never expected4 years ago, Bones made a promise (a threat? a friendly reminder?):
“If you run from me, I will chase you, and I'll find you....”
Cat never expected to see him again. She had tried to push him away in order to protect him, but she never liked what she did. They were together for just a few months, but she still loves him. Now she has an important job to do in the Homeland Security Paranormal department. Not very different to the one she used to do when she was working with Bones. She still plays the role of bait in missions in order to catch bad vampires. Having a beating heart, nobody suspects that she is half vampire.
Fate will bring Bones back to her. When Cat’s best friend gets married, Cat will be surprised to learn that the best man is Bones.
Bones and Cat “shockingly” (yeah right) will be together again, but this time there will also be lots of jealously in their relationship.
There will be Annette drama. There will be Tate drama.
Cat will prove to be a badass possessive half-vampire (“And that, Annette, is called Pilates”) Bones will prove to be a cheeky bastard possessive vampire master (“She's my kitten, and no one else's.”)
Don’t miss Chapter 32! Take your time reading it and better read it when you are alone…
Do you know how long you've been whipping around from the effects of my bite?" Not a clue. "Five minutes?" To my shock, my voice was hoarse and nearly unrecognizable. He chuckled. "Try twenty, give or take a few. The police have already come and gone; Annette sent them away. I think the neighbors thought someone was being murdered."...more
“You're not a woman," he said finally. "You're the Grim Reaper with red hair!”
Hahahahaha
Cat is a feisty red-haired heroine who usually kil
“You're not a woman," he said finally. "You're the Grim Reaper with red hair!”
Hahahahaha
Cat is a feisty red-haired heroine who usually kills someone first and introduce herself and ask questions later, i.e. normally there is no one alive to ask him questions after she finishes. Half vampire and half human (an impossible, unheard-of breed), Cat has one and only purpose in her 22 years of existence: She has to kill as many vampires as possible. Nobody told her that not all vampires are bad. Nobody told her that eventually she will fall in love with a vampire and that they will chase together the bad guys, vampires and humans.
Bones meets Cat before she kills herself with her stupidity and he teaches her everything she needs to know about vampires. And it is really refreshing meeting a vampire who knows what he wants and needs (Needless to say that his British accent is incredibly sexy).
“You know, pet, that is one truly annoying habit you have, telling me what I do and do not feel. After living for over two hundred and forty-one years, I think I know my own mind.”
In book 1 Cat and Bones have their first adventure chasing a vampire who is using young girls as take-away snack and several other characters are introduced. The end of the book is HFN and not HEA, since it is not the end that Cat and Bones want.
“If you run from me, I will chase you, and I'll find you....”
Please find her, soon…. I am starting book 2 straight away. ...more
So, all the major characters are repositioning in this book. The king is here and he has just adjusted all his subjects tRoland has arrived in Atlanta
So, all the major characters are repositioning in this book. The king is here and he has just adjusted all his subjects to his liking:
1. He made his daughter claim the city. Now there are invisible boarders around Atlanta and Kate feels responsible for every living soul inside these borders. Not that she did not feel responsible before…but now the pressure is really on.
...But pretending that the claiming hadn’t happened had done me no favors.
2. He blackmailed his future son in law. He made Curran abandon the Pack, he made him deny his kingship and his lordship. He made him move to the suburbs for crying out loud and to become one of the common humans. Not that he can really mingle.
“Did you see the mailman while doing your rounds yesterday?” I asked. Curran’s face turned carefully blank. “Yes, I did.” “Did you do anything to scare him?” “I was perfectly friendly.” “Mhm.” Please continue with your nice story. Nonjudgmental. “He was putting things into the mailbox. I was passing by and I said, ‘Hello, nice night.’ And then I smiled. He jumped into his truck and slammed the door.” “Rude!” Julie volunteered. “I let it pass,” Curran said. “We’re new to the neighborhood.” The former Beast Lord, a kind and magnanimous neighbor. “So you sneaked up behind him, startled him by speaking, and when he turned around and saw a six-hundred-pound talking lion, you showed him your teeth?” “I don’t think that’s what happened”, Curran said. “That’s exactly what happened, Your Furriness.” I laughed, pulling off my boots.
I can only imagine the horrified face of the mailman. Hahaha….
3. Jim is forced to become the new Beast Lord. And he has to prove that he is the Alpha beast for everybody who does not believe it including all the Alphas of the clans, Mahon (Curran’s adopted father) and Dali the Beast Lady.
“You’re a paranoid control freak.” “My paranoia is keeping us safe. Dali, I just spent eight hours arguing with the Pack Council. Do you think you could postpone yelling at me until later?”
4. The other shifters have to choose sides. Derek, George, Christopher, Barabas, Ascanio, Louis, Andrea and Raphael. The Pack lives its weakest moments. The strongest members of the Pack are split into two teams.
5. Everyone is now looking Kate with different perspective. And not in a very nice way.
--Saiman opened his mouth, then closed it. “I won’t be part of this insanity.”
--Rowena smiled at me. “Sharrim. Our deepest apologies for the misunderstanding.”
--“Why don’t you like me?” I asked. Nick leaned back. “I could fill the room with it, starting with who you are and what you did.”
6. Hugh (Roland’s favorite soldier) is forced to disappear in order to think, to find himself and to stay away from Kate.
This is also the book that ●Kate realizes how it feels to be humanly weak and vulnerable – even if it just for a few hours. I believe that her stroke must be the less favorite part for most readers. ●Julie slowly realizes her powers after the purification of her blood and as a result she has Roland discreet attention. ●we learn everything about the life of djinns, and ghouls. ●we are taught that nothing really worth the price of asking for favors by a djinn (“You have nothing I want!”) ●we discover that true love always wins any obstacle. Hurray for the story of George and Eduardo!
Finally
After the last two books, I like Curran again. I had missed the playful Curran, always in tune with Kate:
A hand rested on the small of my back and slid down. “Did you just grab my butt?” I whispered. “What?” “Curran!” “Yes?” I could hear controlled laughter in his voice. Unbelievable. I sped up. “We’re tracking ghouls and you’re grabbing my butt.” “I always make sure to pay attention to important things.” “Sure you do.”
And
Roland is trying to clear things with Kate - not very successfully:
“Now that I’ve conceded that point, the wedding. When are you going to stop living in sin?” “This is rich, coming from you. I’m sorry, how many wives did you have?” “Recently, only one.” “Yes, and you murdered her.” “Let’s not talk about that again.” “She was my mother.” “Yes, and I loved her deeply.”
I can only imagine the horrified face of the waiter. Hahaha….
I have included many dialogues from the book in this review, because I honestly believe that my favorite characters’ interactions in this book were just brilliant. Strong and funny.
So Roland is here. Everyone stands by. Let the games begin!...more
That was a nice surprise! Sometimes I like to experiment. Well, I did not know anything about the story when I jumped in the book and I did not expect That was a nice surprise! Sometimes I like to experiment. Well, I did not know anything about the story when I jumped in the book and I did not expect much. BUT a lot I got…
There are three main themes in this book. 1. The paranormal aspect. There is a little bit of almost every paranormal creature: Wolves, vampires, demons, hybrids (i.e. half demons-half humans and half wolves-half vampires), ghouls, even a dragon. 2. The forbidden love aspect. An Alpha wolf (Finn Stavros) and a vampire of a royal line (Lyra Marius) fell in love 17 years before the events of this book. Apparently in that world vampires are not supposed to have relationships with wolves. Their story ended badly back then. Finn broke up with Lyra because he wanted to protect her from his dangerous uncle and Lyra never told him that she was with child. 3. The second chance romance aspect. Nowadays Lyra’s daughter has been abducted and desperate Lyra asks for Finn’s help, but she is hiding the fact that Vega is his daughter too. Both Finn and Lyra are crazy in love with each other, although they were apart all this years. Soon they will jumb into the bed to remember the old times. “Make me sleep. Make me forget” Of course Finn is crazy also from jealousy and he cannot understand how Lyra could go and have a child with someone else. The truth will come out at some point. Oh, all this drama! I loved it. “I love you, Lyra. I never stopped.”
Although this is not a long length novel, it is packed with the right elements of a good PNR adventure. There are: -an interesting complete story with beginning, middle and end -hot sex scenes, -battles between wolves and demons, demons and vampires, vampires and wolves -treason and loyalty and -a good number of interesting secondary characters that could be further developed and have their own book in the future....more